Arcadia High School AP Spanish Language Sra. López

Course Description This course is intended for students with expectations of becoming proficient in Spanish. This course is designed to parallel a fifth semester college level language course. In order to develop good language skills, an integrated approach to language learning will be the focus. All course material will include authentic sources. The use of Spanish language newspapers, radio broadcasts, video clips and literary works will form the foundation of the course. Language and culture will be taught simultaneously through the use of these materials. Students will be asked to prepare oral presentations, work on individual and group projects, and research a variety of teacher and student selected topics. The teacher will conduct classes completely in Spanish and it is expected that students will speak only Spanish while in class.

Goals For The Course To understand the spoken and written language and be able to respond appropriately with a high level of vocabulary and accuracy. To use language that is semantically and grammatically accurate according to a given context. To develop strong interpersonal skills both aural and written. To develop strong presentational skills. To write well-organized essays that demonstrates synthesis and integration of skills. To research, discuss and present on a variety of cultural topics. To differentiate between informal and formal registers in aural and written work. To develop an awareness of Spanish-speaking people, their culture, and their contributions to our society through a variety of authentic resources such as newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and works of literature. To extend their learning environment and make connections with Spanish speaking people in the community. To excel on the AP Spanish Language exam in May.

Materials Students will be issued three books. Two of which can stay in the class (at their own risk) but they must be covered. Students will also need: The light blue AMSCO workbook will also be used for homework purposes and can be left at home until instructed to bring to class. You will also need a journal. Journals will be collected randomly on Fridays. Journals entries are worth 5 points each. Journals will not be accepted late. College ruled paper for daily notes/class work. Headphones A pencil, blue or black pen, and a red pen for correcting ALL MATERIALS MUST BE BROUGHT TO CLASS DAILY, UNLESS OTHERWISED ANNOUNCED BY TEACHER. Recommended materials: highlighter, colored pencil/markers Spanish/English dictionary

Assessments and Grading Grades are based on all types of activities in the course. This includes, but is not limited to, recorded speaking samples, essays, listening and reading comprehension activities, tests and homework. Grading Policy: Grades are calculated in the following way: Assessments 80%, Language use and Production 20% Grades: %=A, 89-80%=B, 79-70%=C, 69-60%=D, 59% ↓=F Progress reports will be sent home to every student* A plus (+) sign will be given to the top 2% of the grade and a minus (-) to the bottom 2% of the grade

Tests There will be a test at the end of every chapter and a unit exam at the end of the unit. The test will consist of reading, grammar/ writing conventions, vocabulary/word usage, listening and speaking. Each test is comprehensive and you must know all the previous grammar points.

Quizzes Quizzes will be given once or twice a week. Quizzes are used to isolate a specific function and assess the progress. Types of quizzes include but are not limited to vocabulary/spelling, speaking, listening, reading, dictation, and grammar. Quizzes will range from 10 –50 points.

Assignments/ Homework Students will have homework every night. Assignments are expected to be completed and ready for review/correcting at the beginning of each class period. Any work not completed during class becomes homework. While never specifically assigned, learning vocabulary and practicing Spanish is ALWAYS homework.

Extra Credit There will be very few opportunities for students to earn extra credit, it absolutely necessary that students stay on task, complete assignments and ask for help as soon as they need it.

Projects Projects put into function all the vocabulary, grammar and culture in a possible real life situation. Projects help students understand and appreciate the culture.

Absences & Make-Up Work Absences greatly affect the learning of a foreign language. It is very important that students are in class every day. Should an excused absence occur students are responsible for finding out what was missed during an absence. Students will receive one day per each day of an excused absence to turn in make up assignments. If a student misses a test, quiz or oral presentation a retake must be arranged with the teacher within 2 days of the student’s return, otherwise the student will receive a zero. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for make-ups and turn in late work. Teacher’s grade book will reflect a “zero” on an assignment/test/quiz/etc. until made up (within the set timeline).

Oral Production Oral Production is the use of the target language in everyday classroom activities and is an expectation of all students. Oral production is impromptu and a result of students understanding and using the language without writing or memorizing a planned response. Students will be given ample opportunity to use Spanish through classroom activities. Each chapter students will receive a language production score that is based on oral use of the language throughout the chapter.

Citizenship Citizenship: grades are earned by following classroom rules. Every two times that the rules are broken will result in the lowering of your citizenship grade. 0= outstanding S= satisfactory N= needs improvement U= unsatisfactory Classroom Rules: 1. Respect Everyone. 2. No Electronic Devices of any kind are to be used during class. 3. No food, drinks, gum or candy in class. 4. Bring all necessary material to class everyday ( Spanish book, paper, pencils, pens, etc.) 5. Be seated and ready to work/participate when the bell rings. 6. Raise your hand if you need to leave your seat, get help from the teacher, to ask a question or whenever in doubt. 7. Anything not pertaining to Spanish must stay in your backpack or under your desk.

Cheating Prevention Policy Definition: "Cheating is the deliberate attempt to circumvent the course evaluation process". Cheating includes but is not limited to the following categories:1. Improper test/ quiz taking behavior looking toward other students' papers, or around the class. Talking or other forms of communication. having notes/answers visible Sharing answers on homework or other assignments. You are equally responsible for giving as you are for receiving answers. Improper use of tutors and/or computer programs. Whenever you have anyone (such as Native Spanish Speakers or Tutor) translate, write or edit your work. Writing your document in English or any other language and having a computer translate it to Spanish. Improperly obtaining Test and/or quiz question and/or Answers. Plagiarism" Plagiarism includes knowingly representing by paraphrasing or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of material prepared by another person or agency in the selling of term paper or other academic materials.“ Consequences: Refer to the student handbook.

Contact Information The best way to contact me is via Should you need to call me I can be reached at (626) X 1142 I post necessary information such as calendars, workbook pages, classroom handouts and notes on my AHS Fusion Page Grades are posted and updated regularly on Power School